Massive explosion rocks Kabul

A powerful explosion shook Afghanistan's capital, Kabul, on Monday, triggering a massive fire that sent thick black smoke billowing across the city.

Kabul: A powerful explosion shook Afghanistan’s capital, Kabul, on Monday, triggering a massive fire that sent thick black smoke billowing across the city. The blast was reportedly heard several kilometers away, prompting emergency responders to rush to the scene as videos of the incident quickly spread across social media.

According to international media reports, the explosion occurred in the Parwan-e-Sew area, located within Kabul’s Fourth Police District, a sensitive part of the Afghan capital. Soon after the blast, flames spread rapidly, with several fuel tankers reportedly catching fire, intensifying the blaze and producing large clouds of smoke visible from different parts of the city.

Eyewitnesses said the sound of the explosion echoed across multiple neighborhoods, causing panic among residents. Videos circulating online showed towering columns of black smoke rising into the sky while emergency vehicles, including ambulances and fire response units, were seen heading toward the affected area.

As of now, Afghan authorities have not officially confirmed the cause of the explosion or released details regarding casualties or property damage. The Taliban administration has also not issued a formal statement about the incident.

Local media reported that multiple fuel tankers were engulfed in flames following the explosion. However, it remains unclear whether the initial blast triggered the fire or whether the fire led to secondary explosions involving the fuel tankers. Officials are expected to determine the sequence of events after a detailed investigation.

No militant group has claimed responsibility for the incident so far. The lack of official confirmation has led to speculation on social media, but authorities have urged the public to wait for verified information before drawing conclusions.

Since the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021, the country has witnessed several security incidents, including attacks targeting government facilities, security personnel, and places of worship. The regional affiliate of the so-called Islamic State, commonly known as ISIS-K, has previously claimed responsibility for a number of deadly attacks in the country. However, there is currently no official evidence linking the latest explosion in Kabul to any militant organization.

Security agencies and emergency services continue to monitor the situation, while investigators work to determine the exact cause of the explosion. Further updates are expected once Afghan authorities complete their preliminary assessment and release official findings.